ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the federal statutes enacted in which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), other federal law enforcement agencies and the Working Groups and Task Forces utilize to prosecute offenders. Law enforcement faces many challenges when it comes to human trafficking. As law enforcement starts to identify the presence of human trafficking, other investigative problems arise. Many of the victims and subjects of human trafficking are international and law enforcement may encounter a language barrier. Law enforcement will work with federal prosecutors to obtain visas to allow victims and witnesses to stay during the course of an investigation and pros ecution of the human trafficking subjects. Law enforcement groups should identify and liaise with NGOs and community-based groups who have a special interest or can impact a human trafficking investigative program. Public awareness, law enforcement training, liaison with NGOs, coalitions and task forces make up the necessary formula for successful identification, investigation and combat of human trafficking.